Enrollment and participation in esports have grown over the years as more school districts recognize its educational and social benefits. Dutchess BOCES’ Educational Resources (ER) department has offered esports to students in its component districts since 2022.
ER initially partnered with Contender eSports Gaming Center in Wappingers Falls to welcome students from across the region to participate in organized competitive gaming in school-based teams of 10 to 15 participants. Middle school teams feature students from the Arlington, Beacon and Wappingers school districts, while the high school teams feature students from the Arlington, Beacon, Poughkeepsie, Spackenkill, Wappingers and Webutuck school districts playing various games including “Rocket League” and “Super Smash Brothers.”
When Contender closed in December 2025, ER staff worked quickly to ensure the program could continue. ER Coordinator Kathleen Schneck asked Dutchess Community College’s Athletic Director Matthew Paquet and Esports Coach Jesse Navarre if they could accommodate the students for the March and May spring tournaments, which they readily agreed to. The partnership has been successful with ER staff discussing additional ways to collaborate with DCC for the upcoming school year.
“Our partnership with Dutchess Community College has been instrumental in helping us continue and expand the eSports program,” ER Professional Development Specialist Cara Braun said. “The partnership also helps expose students to postsecondary opportunities connected to gaming, technology, broadcasting and digital media.”
Students build critical thinking, strategic planning, communication, problem-solving and collaboration skills because of their involvement in esports with many becoming interested in broadcasting, graphic design, coding, event management and information technology. Esports also create a strong sense of belonging and community as students work together toward common goals while learning about leadership, perseverance, sportsmanship and self-confidence.
“There are also growing career pathways connected to esports, including opportunities in technology, media production, marketing, game design, coaching and collegiate esports programs,” Braun said. “Participation helps students discover interests and talents that can translate into future college and career opportunities.”
Poughkeepsie High School freshman Uriel Aquino has enjoyed participating in esports since middle school where he gets to not only play video games with friends, but has also become proficient in life skills such as multitasking.
“In the game, you have to think about what you’re going to do and what buttons you have to press,” Uriel Aquino explained. “It gets me out of my comfort zone … it’s just really fun.”
Poughkeepsie Middle School eighth grader Alexis Aquino participates on the high school team along with his brother Uriel because of his strength as an esports player. He was initially interested in participating because there was no other activity like it and has learned tons of useful skills.
“You have to coordinate with your team and discuss strategies on what you have to do against the other team,” Alexis Aquino said. “It’s pretty nice and the people are nice.”
Interested in bringing esports to your district? Email Janet Bisti, Director of Educational Resources.
